Windows 10 brings with it a great interface along with powerful multimedia applications. Besides the default app, you can install a third party app to open your media files. Whenever you choose to play an audio file or a file that contains audio, for example, video files and PC games, two devices will come into play. The first is the graphics driver that will display the video graphics or the application interface. The most important thing for us is the sound device that will reproduce your audio. The app will connect the sound device and play the audio through the device's speakers or external speakers connected to the audio jack 3.5 or HDMI connection.
Many Windows users 10 have had trouble playing their audio and video files, including computer games. Every time they try to open a file containing audio using the application, they get an error that says $ 0027error 0xc00d4e85: Another app is controlling your sound at the moment. To listen here close that application and try again ». This error occurs when you try to play an audio or movie file that has an audio track. Files like mp3 are likely, mp4, notice, among other audio and video files, throw this error when you try to play them in your video or music app. After the mistake, the file appears to be playing, but no sound is heard. This article will explore the solution to this error based on the known issues that are causing the problem.
What does error 0xc00d4e85 mean?
The point is that an application is taking exclusive control of the speakers, silencing all other sounds. Opening files in the audio or video app will fail because the app cannot connect to the audio device. Therefore, your app can't send the audio to the audio card that plays it through the speakers. Here are the reasons that can cause this situation.
Reasons for error 0xc00d4e85
What makes an app take control of the sound device and not let go? Most people feel that the problem started after a Microsoft Windows update. Error 0xc00d4e85 has been associated with Windows Cumulative Update KB2962407. There seems to be a bug in this update that locks the audio device.
Audio drivers must also be compatible with Windows 10. If you haven't updated your operating system before the error, the problem is likely related to the system's audio settings. When Windows Audio Services are not running and have not been configured to start automatically at startup, the operating system may have trouble switching between apps or allowing audio apps to activate sound devices.
There might also be the possibility for an application to change the system settings to allow applications to take exclusive control of this device automatically.. This allows exclusive use of the sound device, that blocks other applications.
Here are the methods you can use to fix error 0xc00d4e85.
Method 1: remove update KB2962407 and prevent Windows from reinstalling it
There is sufficient evidence that Windows update KB2962407 is associated with error 0xc00d4e85. We will have to uninstall this update and prevent Windows from automatically reinstalling it in the future.
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Press the Windows key + R to open run
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Type appwiz.cp l in the Run text box and press Enter to open the program and features window.
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Click »View installed updates» in the upper left corner of the window. Look for the update with the identification number KB2962407.
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Right click on the update and select »Uninstall» and allow the uninstallation.
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Restart the computer.
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Go to the Control Panel and then click on »Windows Updates«.
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Click »Check for updates«. When the process is complete, you should find important updates available. Clicking on the message, a window will open showing important updates.
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Right-click on update KB2962407 and select »Hide update«. This will prevent the update from being installed the next time Windows updates are installed.
For more help on how to avoid Windows updates 10, visit our guide page here.
Method 2: start and configure Windows audio and audiosrv services to run automatically
If the audio service is not running, there is probably a problem switching windows apps. Set Windows Audio and Audiosrv services to Run and the type of autostart by following the steps below:
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Press the Windows logo key + R to open run
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Type services.msc in the run text box and hit enter to open the services window
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In the services window, look for Windows Audio in the right side panel and check if the status is running. If it is not running, right click on the service and choose start. This will start the service.
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To configure Windows audio services to run automatically at startup, right click on Windows Audio and go to properties.
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In the general tab, choose $ 0027 automatic $ 0027 in the start type drop down box.
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Click on $ 0027 to apply $ 0027 and later $ 0027 To accept $ 0027
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Redo the steps 3 a 6 with the focus on the services of $ 0027 Audiosrv $ 0027
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Click on $ 0027 apply $ 0027 and later $ 0027 OK $ 0027 and close the services window.
If you are using an HP laptop, remove $ 0027audiodg.exe $ 0027 in Task Manager will temporarily solve the problem until you restart the PC.
Method 3: disable apps from taking exclusive control of the audio device
If Windows has been configured to allow devices to take exclusive control of the audio device, unauthorized apps and ancillary devices are likely to take over. Follow the steps mentioned below to disable the settings for the apps to take exclusive control of the device:
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Right-click on the speaker icon in the system tray of the taskbar. Click Playback Devices.
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Right click on the playback device within the device list and select Properties.
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Go to the Advanced tab. Uncheck the box next to $ 0027 Allow apps to take exclusive control of this device $ 0027.
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Click on $ 0027 Apply $ 0027 and the $ 0027 To accept $ 0027
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Restart the PC.
